Aussie bachelorette finds love in New Zealand

16 Oct 2015

Today it was announced that New Zealand is the destination for the season finale of the Australian reality series The Bachelorette – which will showcase New Zealand as the ultimate romantic destination throughout Australia.

New Zealand is the only international destination to be showcased in the series, which has seen record ratings. The finale is projected to reach over 1.4 million Australian viewers.

The final episode will see bachelorette Sam Frost make her first ever trip to New Zealand along with the two final contestants where they will experience the romance of New Zealand’s North Island exploring the Rotorua and Auckland regions.

Filming took place in July 2015 and was supported by Tourism New Zealand's International Media Programme.

Tourism New Zealand General Manager Australia, Tony Saunders was thrilled to have secured the opportunity to film the first ever Bachelorette finale in New Zealand.

“Australia is a priority market for Tourism New Zealand and broadcast opportunities such as this provide high-profile coverage and exposure of New Zealand to excite and motivate our target market to travel here on a scale much greater than we can achieve through marketing campaign activity alone.

“The Bachelorette supports Tourism New Zealand’s activity to attract both high value and first time Australian visitors to New Zealand this coming autumn - profiling New Zealand as the perfect location for a luxury getaway or weekend break.”

The 90 minute episode will see The Bachelorette, along with her two suitors, visit Rotoura and Auckland experiencing a taste of what the regions have to offer - from white water rafting through to Waiheke Island and luxury sailing in Auckland.

Sam’s family from Melbourne will join her in New Zealand to meet the final two bachelors. Sam will then choose ‘the one’ at the final rose ceremony in one of the Matakana Coast area regional parks, north of Auckland.

“We’re confident the final episode will inspire viewers to consider what New Zealand has to offer and make the short trip across the Tasman,” says Tony.

Reflecting on her trip, The Bachelorette Sam Frost, said New Zealand literally took her breath away.

“I absolutely loved it. New Zealand is stunning! I couldn't get over how gorgeous it was. All of the people in New Zealand were so lovely and welcoming and there is still so much more I want to explore.”

The show was supported by Air New Zealand and Regional Tourism Organisations Destination Rotorua and Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED).

Air New Zealand's General Manager Australia, Leanne Geraghty says it was fantastic to partner with Tourism New Zealand to bring The Bachelorette Australia to New Zealand.

"It was our pleasure to fly Sam, the finalists and crew to New Zealand as the official airline partner and have them experience our unique kiwi hospitality first hand."

ATEED Manager Tourism Jason Hill says, “It’s great to have had the opportunity to be able to showcase Auckland’s diversity on such a popular Australian television series. We are continually looking at innovative and creative ways to attract more Australian visitors to Auckland.”

The season finale airs on Network TEN on Thursday, 22 October and will be supported with social media activity and a consumer promotion in conjunction with Network TEN.